2003 Green Giants

Too often we progressives get caught up in fighting defensive battles or criticizing wrong-headed government policies. When the Poudre Valley Green Party sits down to decide who should win the annual Green Giant awards, we get to focus positively on some wonderful people and businesses in our community. This year’s winners are Rob Osborn (owner/operator of Avogadro's Number), Janna Six, Randy Fischer, New Belgium Brewery, Eric Hamrick and Nancy York. Here’s how they make Fort Collins a better place for us all:

Building Community - Rob Osborn/Avogadro’s Number
For many years, Avo’s has provided a place for local activists to meet and put forth their ideas and values. Avo’s stage has been a haven for homegrown musicians and poets, and Avo’s continues to host a weekly open microphone. Rob Osborn has generously provided a place where community can be built, where music and poetry can flourish, where good food can be eaten and where good friends can be found.

Dedication to the environment and a sustainable future - Janna Six

Janna continually strives to empower others to fight for a more sustainable and equitable use of resources. For instance, on the day after Thanksgiving in 1997, Janna single-handedly launched the local “Buy Nothing Day,” a tradition that continues to this day. At one public hearing after another, Janna speaks out against fluoridating City water, pesticide spraying and sprawl, and for progressive transportation choices, smart city planning and Open Space.

Local government watchdog - Randy Fischer

Randy has worked to protect his hometown from plunder and preserve its environmental health and quality. Walking the talk, years ago Randy retrofitted his home with solar water heating. For the past 15 years, Randy has served on a number of city and county Advisory Boards and is currently chair of the Fort Collins Natural Resources Advisory Board. Randy has put his heart and soul into passing the city and county open space initiatives and has actively supported every progressive candidate standing for election in recent years.

Sustainable Business - New Belgium Brewery

New Belgium is one of the most environmentally friendly breweries in the United States, if not the world. Their commitment to living in harmony with the earth is nationally recognized, and includes: getting 100% of their electricity from wind power (making them the first fully wind-powered brewery in the U.S. and helping fight global warming); recycling 90% of what others consider waste; using organic cotton for all their clothing; supporting and empowering their employees; donating $1 per barrel to community programs; and acting as a progressive role model for other businesses.

Public Servant Extraordinaire - Eric Hamrick

There are politicians and then there are Public Servants. Eric Hamrick’s exceptional working relationship with citizens reflects his commitment to public service in the best sense. Eric goes the extra mile, actually attending the meetings of the boards to which he is a council liaison and sharing with citizens pertinent information he has independently found. Eric pushed for a city renewable energy goal of 15 percent and helped hold the line on Fort Collins’ existing Growth Management Area. He advocates for transportation alternatives, both locally and regionally, supports water quality and conservation, and voted to alter Homeowner Associations’ covenants to permit clotheslines, compost bins, and solar panels. He worked to protect the Poudre River corridor while sticking to his principles in spite of near-constant criticism from pro-growth forces.

Green Warrior Award - Nancy York

Nancy is a veteran of countless campaigns, a tireless defender of clean air, clean water, and liveable communities. A Colorado native who takes to heart the adage “Think Globally, Act Locally,” Nancy has run the Petition Coalition for many years to get various citizen initiatives on the ballot. She ran for the office of County Commissioner in 1998 and 2002, and serves on the City’s Air Quality Advisory Board. She served for many years as co-chair of the Poudre Valley Green Party. Nancy has kept the flame of the Green Party burning bright for many years, while being a warrior for peace and for the planet.

Thank you one and all!

Eric Fried is a spokesperson for the Green Party of Colorado. Contact him at eric@pvgreens.org.